Why have a UWA Ally Network?

All states and territories have equal opportunity laws not only to protect GLBTI employees but also those who are perceived to be, yet 59% of Australian GLBTI employees have experienced some form of workplace discrimination or harassment. Similarly, there continue to be incidences of homo/bi/trans-phobic violence in the wider Australian community.

Traditionally, diversity has tended to focus on issues of gender, race and disability while sexuality has remained largely invisible. Even though UWA had a long standing policy against discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, there continued to remain ‘pockets’ across campus where incidents occurred. The 2001 Rainbow Report found that while the UWA environment was generally accepting and inclusive, there remained a number of key areas of sexuality which required to be addressed.

The ALLY Program was therefore implemented to promote awareness and visibility around sexual diversity, thus making the UWA community safer and more affirming for GLBTI staff and students. The recent Evaluation of the ALLY program had confirmed that more than 200 ALLIES have acted as ‘champions’ to promote dialogue and increase awareness and sensitivity around issues of sexual diversity across the campus and community.

Traditionally diversity has tended to focus on issues of gender, race and disability. Even though UWA has a policy against discrimination on the basis of sexual preference, discriminatory behaviour and offensive comments and gestures with respect to sexual orientation continue to occur within the UWA community.

In WA, debate surrounding the gay & lesbian law reform legislation saw an emergence of entrenched homophobia and discrimination in the community. Letters to the editor of the local newspaper at the time are evidence of the uninformed bigotry that still exists in sections of the community. In this regard the university community mirrors the larger community in that it can be oppressive and devaluing of GLBTI staff and students and may not convey the welcoming and inclusive atmosphere that is necessary for successful and effective academic pursuits.

The 2001 UWA 'Rainbow Report', found that 35.2 per cent of respondents did not say anything when others made derogatory remarks about gay people and 10 per cent knew someone who had damaged the property of a gay person.  Through the creation of the ALLY Network it is hoped that the visibility created by ALLIES will serve to make the UWA community safer and more affirming for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex staff and students.